One Day Tour to Chacchoben Mayan City and Bacalar Lagoon with a Certified Guide

This tour offers a full taste of what the Mexican Caribbean has to offer — ancient Mayan ruins, stunning lagoon vistas, and a relaxed day out. For just over five hours, you’ll visit the Chacchoben archaeological site, where history comes alive through the stories of ancient Mayans, and then unwind at Bacalar Lagoon, renowned for its seven shades of blue and tranquil waters. The price, around $107.10 per person, includes guided exploration, a delicious fajita lunch, and kayaking gear, making it a solid value for those craving culture and scenery.

We particularly like how this trip balances education with leisure — the guides are praised for their knowledge and attentiveness, making the ruins come alive without feeling rushed. Plus, the lagoon offers plenty of options to swim, kayak, or simply soak up the view, which is perfect for a relaxing break in the middle of a busy cruise day.

One potential consideration is the long bus rides — around an hour each way — which might be tiring if you prefer shorter travel times. However, the comfort of the air-conditioned vans and the scenic drive help make this more manageable.

If you enjoy discovering historical sites with expert guides, combined with beachside relaxation and water activities, this tour could be your perfect day in Costa Maya.

Key Points

• Balanced experience: Combines Mayan history with scenic lagoon relaxation.
• Excellent guides: Well-reviewed for their knowledge and attentiveness.
• Comfortable transportation: Air-conditioned vans make long drives more pleasant.
• Includes a tasty lunch: Fajitas and drinks are part of the package.
• Water activities: Kayaks are provided, adding a fun element.
• Long travel time: About an hour each way, so good for those who enjoy scenic drives.

Exploring the Mayan Past and Lagoon Serenity

This tour is designed for travelers who want a well-rounded day of exploration and relaxation. Starting at the Chacchoben archaeological site, you’re taken into one of the less-crowded ruins in the area, giving a more intimate look at Mayan architecture and culture. The guides, like Yoshi who receives lots of praise, are praised for their clear explanations and friendly attitude. The ruins themselves, dating back to 200 BC, feature impressive monuments and structures, although some travelers note that the site isn’t as extensive as others might have seen elsewhere. Still, the sense of uncovering ancient stonework amid a jungle backdrop makes for a memorable experience.

The guided tour aspect is a major plus — multiple reviews mention guides sharing interesting facts and making the history accessible without overwhelming. For example, one reviewer loved how the guide explained everything clearly and was very attentive to the group, making the ruins come alive.

Timing is key here. The tour spends about 1 hour 30 minutes at Chacchoben, enough time for a good look without feeling rushed. The admission fee is included, but do remember there’s a $5 USD camera fee you pay on-site, which might seem small but adds to the overall cost. Also, tripods and drones are not permitted, so plan your photography accordingly.

A Scenic and Refreshing Break at Bacalar Lagoon

After exploring the ruins, you’ll head approximately two hours to Bacalar Lagoon, famous for its seven shades of blue and calm, warm waters. This is where you can truly unwind. The lagoon’s reputation as a former pirate hideout is partly why it feels so untouched and special. The tour includes a fajita lunch with soft drinks, which many reviews praise as tasty and satisfying — a perfect fuel for water activities.

You’ll have around two hours here, plenty of time to swim, sunbathe, or enjoy a kayak ride with provided equipment. Multiple travelers mention how much they appreciated the opportunity to paddle around and take in the scenery, often citing the lagoon’s tranquil waters as a highlight. Notably, the water is rocky underneath, so bring suitable footwear if you plan to walk in the water or to the shoreline.

The weather can influence the lagoon’s appearance — one reviewer noted that the “seven colors” of the water weren’t very visible on a cloudy or windy day, but the overall beauty of the lagoon still makes it worth the visit. And the fabulous tacos and drinks served during lunch add to the leisurely atmosphere.

Logistics and Practical Aspects

The tour begins at the Av. P.º del Puerto 1180, just a short walk from the Costa Maya cruise port. Expect about 15 minutes of walking to reach the meeting point, which is straightforward if you follow the provided instructions carefully. The transportation from the port is air-conditioned, ensuring comfort during the roughly one-hour drives to and from the ruins and lagoon.

Group sizes vary, but reviews generally mention smaller groups, which lead to a more personal and relaxed experience. The tour is designed for most travelers, with reviews mentioning that even those with limited mobility or recent surgeries managed the walking and water activities with ease.

The day is well-organized, with clear communication and timely pickups. However, some reviews highlight the importance of paying attention to directions, as the meeting point can be confusing without guidance, especially for cruise passengers arriving early or late.

Authentic Experiences and Honest Feedback

While many reviews express high satisfaction, some highlight potential drawbacks. For example, the long bus ride of about two hours total might be tiring for some, especially on hot days. You’ll want to wear comfortable shoes, bring water, and be prepared for the travel time. Others noted that the ruins aren’t as extensive as some might expect, and photography at the site involves additional fees and restrictions.

A notable insight from a review pointed out the economic reliance of local communities on tourism, reminding us that our visits support small businesses and local livelihoods. Some travelers also felt that the price could be a bit steep, given the long drives and some limitations at the site, but most agree that the overall experience offers good value, especially considering the included lunch and activities.

Who is This Tour Best For?

This trip suits those who want a combination of history, scenery, and water activities in one day. It’s ideal for travelers who enjoy guided tours with knowledgeable guides, appreciate comfort during long drives, and don’t mind a few hours on a bus. If your priority is to see impressive ruins and relax by a stunning lagoon, this tour delivers on both fronts. It’s also great for families, provided everyone is comfortable with walking and water activities.

But if you prefer shorter travel times or more extensive ruins, you might want to explore other options closer to the port or with less driving involved. The included lunch and kayaking are icing on the cake for those wanting a full immersion experience.

FAQs

What is the duration of this tour?
The tour lasts approximately 5 hours and 30 minutes, including travel, sightseeing, and leisure time at the lagoon.

Is there an additional fee for photography?
Yes, there’s a $5 USD fee payable directly at Chacchoben for camera use. Tripods and drones are prohibited at the ruins.

Are the water activities included?
Yes, kayaks are provided for use at Bacalar Lagoon, with some restrictions on weight (220 lbs for single kayaks, 270 lbs for double kayaks).

What should I wear?
Comfortable shoes for walking at the ruins and water shoes or sandals for walking in the lagoon are recommended. Bring sun protection and a hat.

Is this tour suitable for children or those with mobility issues?
Most travelers can participate, but be prepared for some walking and getting in and out of kayaks. The tour is generally accessible for most, but check your personal comfort level.

What happens if my cruise ship doesn’t arrive in port?
The tour guarantees a full refund if your ship doesn’t call in Costa Maya. It departs about an hour after your cruise’s arrival, so plan accordingly.

This tour offers a well-rounded experience of Mexico’s ancient past and crystal-clear waters, making it a top pick for cruise passengers eager to see a bit of everything. The knowledgeable guides and delicious included lunch ensure you feel well cared for, while the scenic lagoon and cultural sights provide plenty of photo-worthy moments.

It’s best suited for travelers who enjoy a mix of exploration and leisure, and who don’t mind a bit of travel time to reach the sites. If you’re looking for a thoughtfully organized day that balances history, scenery, and fun, this tour fits the bill. Remember to bring your camera, wear comfy shoes, and come with a curious mind — you’re in for a memorable adventure.

Feel inspired? Pack your sense of adventure and curiosity — Costa Maya’s ruins and lagoon await. This tour is a smart choice for those wanting to make the most of a limited cruise port visit with a mix of culture and relaxation in the beautiful Mexican Caribbean.